Darius Robinson | Missouri 6’5” | 285 lbs 09/13/2001 (Age 22)
Darius Robinson was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the second Defensive Tackle and 27th overall player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Darius Robinson was a slow riser who developed tremendously over his time at Mizzou. As a freshman in 2019, he played in five games as a reserve DT. In 2020, he played in seven games and earned two starts, recording 11 tackles and a sack. The following season, he played in 10 games with six starts, including the final five games of the season, where he registered 21 tackles and a PBU. In 2022, Robinson played in all 13 games with 10 starts logging 35 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. In his final season in 2023, Robinson earned First-team All-SEC honors. He led the Tigers with 14 TFLs and 8.5 sacks. He started 12 games and registered 43 total tackles with a forced fumble. Robinson played more edge (than interior tackle) in 2023 than he previously had, displaying the versatility that NFL defensive coordinators covet.
FILM
A former three-star recruit who earned it all and worked to become the player he is today. Robinson is a “first to arrive–last to leave” type of player, who was a team captain and displays leadership qualities (even nicknamed Mr. Mizzou by his teammates). He has the size, athleticism, and experience to play as a true tweener at the next level, capable of even-front base end, odd-front end, and even kicking inside to interior when necessary. Robinson’s physical attributes give him a strong advantage in one-on-one matchups. His powerful hands and upper body movement allows him to get rid of blockers quickly. His sheer arm length is a weapon at the point of attack.
While he lacks an established pass-rush arsenal, these other traits will earn him playing time upon entering the league. He may never be a sack leader, but he will produce with TFLs in the run game and consistent pocket-collapsing pressure against the passing game. He should reduce inside on obvious passing downs.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Robinson ran a slower-than-expected 40 time of 4.95 seconds with a 1.73 10-yard split. While his vertical and broad jumps were solid, at 35” and 9’3” respectively, he also disappointed a little bit in the bench press, completing 21 reps. He chose not to participate in the short shuttle and three-cone drills.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
Robinson was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Robinson lands in a decent spot, where he will have an opportunity to be an immediate starter, but also will lack any semblance of elite playmakers around him. He will have to earn every big play he makes early in his career. His poor testing numbers probably contributed to a little bit of a slide; Robinson is a good enough real-life player to have been drafted in the top 20. However, this might be one of those cases where the player is better in real life than he is for IDP fantasy football purposes, at least early in his career. Refinement is needed to unlock an even better power rush and better recognition is necessary for him to consistently land those TFLs at the next level.
Robinson can be drafted at the end of rookie drafts and sometimes even as a UDFA in IDP leagues. It’s rare to find a player with first-round draft capital whom you can acquire with such minimal investment. He is a good candidate for a taxi squad in IDP dynasty leagues–so long as you are a patient owner. Robinson ranks as your author’s rookie DT5 of this class. He comes in as the 14th overall IDP rookie.. By 2025 he should be productive and useful for true full-position IDP leagues, and possibly worthy of occasionally starting in watered-down IDP leagues that only require the DL designation (DE+DT) for starting lineups.
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